Introducing...
Spring-flowering camellias
Among the best shrubs for early spring colour, these camellias are upright or spreading, glossy-leaved evergreens, with white, pink or red flowers. Impressive in the shrub borders, they are also ideal for screening and growing in containers. You can also grow spring-flowering camellias more informally in dappled shade beneath deciduous trees.
Looks
Flowers can be single, semi-double, have a central cluster of short petals (anemone form), have many soft petals (peony-form) or have pointed petals arranged more formally (rose-form double and formal double).
Likes
Camellias must have acid soil, in sun or dappled shade. In containers, use an ericaceous (acidic) compost.
Dislikes
In alkaline (including chalky) soils, leaves turn yellow and are shed. Plants in deep shade tend to be leggy and will not flower freely.
Did you know?
Camellias are very tolerant of pruning, which is best done immediately after the flowers have faded and is a very successful way of restricting growth.
Growing guide
How to grow camellias
All the information you need to grow and care for camellias in your garden.
Spring-flowering camellias we recommend
Camellia japonica 'Apple Blossom'
camellia 'Apple Blossom'
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 1.5–2.5 metres
Camellia × williamsii 'Saint Ewe'
camellia 'Saint Ewe'
- 2.5–4 metres
- 2.5–4 metres
Camellia 'Cornish Spring' (_cuspidata_ × _japonica_)
camellia 'Cornish Spring'
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 1–1.5 metres
Camellia japonica 'Apple Blossom'
camellia 'Apple Blossom'
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 1.5–2.5 metres
Camellia × williamsii 'Saint Ewe'
camellia 'Saint Ewe'
- 2.5–4 metres
- 2.5–4 metres
Camellia 'Cornish Spring' (_cuspidata_ × _japonica_)
camellia 'Cornish Spring'
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 1–1.5 metres
Useful advice
Camellia flower blight
Camellia problems: frequently asked questions
Shrubs: evergreen for specific situations
Trees: growing in containers
Get involved
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